Bruxie Gourmet Waffle Sandwiches in Old Towne Orange features a strawberries and créme brulée with classic vanilla creme with burnt raw sugar and fresh strawberries. LEONARD ORTIZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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What's not to like about this 25 Degrees Fried Egg Sandwich with Canadian Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato and Herb Aioli? It is a good, breakfast, lunch or dinner option at 25 Degrees in Huntington Beach. CINDY YAMANAKA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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SeaLegs wine bar has created a restaurant week menu reflective of its regular menu. Dishes are recommended to pair with red or white wines. This Bruschetta dish will be served with a glass of Jackhammer Pinot Noir during restaurant week. CHRISTIAN SOSA, COURTESY SEALEGS

In Huntington Beach, good eats can be found hanging out on Main Street. But don't lock yourself into having every meal in this area.

If you're willing to venture a mile out of your way, you can find some culinary gems – sans the inflated prices and touristy crowds of downtown.

To help guide you, I've come up with some suggestions for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I like to start my day with a good cup of coffee. Avoid the long lines at the Main Street Starbucks and walk one block over to The Strand. On the 100 block of Fifth Street, you'll find Peet's coffee at Bruxie and espresso drinks at Baguetier Bakery and Sertinos Cafe. Grab a liege waffle, made with imported Belgian pearl sugar, at Bruxie. If you want something heartier, try Bruxie's Green Eggs & Ham waffle sandwich.

If you stick close to the surfing action for lunch, try Pizza Lounge, Bruxie or 25 Degrees.

Pizza Lounge, at 301 Main St., is a contemporary pizza joint with generous servings. The personal pizzas, which look more like oblong flatbreads, can be shared by two people. I recommend the Our Famous White Pizza – a white-sauce, thin-crust pizza topped with grilled chicken, chicken sausage and zucchini slices. Pizza Lounge also has a solid selection of craft brews that will likely impress even the biggest beer snob. Pizza Lounge doesn't deliver, but you can order takeout.

For the daring, try the Bruxie Burger. Warning: You might slip into a carb-induced food coma at the beach after a Bruxie meal. Address: 180 Fifth St.

For some quick eats beyond downtown, order takeout from Super Mex or DeSimone Deli & Bakery. You'll find authentic Mexican food at great prices at Super Mex. Address: 19684 Beach Blvd. For the best Cuban sandwich in Orange County, DeSimone is your spot. An 8-incher costs about $7.50, but it's worth every penny. Address: 6850 Edinger Ave.

Escape the madness of downtown with dinner and drinks at SeaLegs, Slater's 50/50 or Red Table. SeaLegs offers a sophisticated selection of wines and small-plate dishes. Address: 21022 Beach Blvd.

For something less polished, try the gourmet burgers and craft beer at Slater's 50/50. This Southern California sensation serves mammoth burgers stuffed with ground bacon. (Hint: For a juicier burger, order the 100 percent beef patty, instead.) The Vampire Dip, cheesy bliss served in a sourdough bowl, is a must-have appetizer. Address: 8082 Adams Ave.

In Huntington Harbor, you'll find comfort food with a modern twist at Red Table. You've got to love a menu that offers five kinds of fresh-cut fries, such as the dangerous ghost chili Stooopid fries or the curry dusted Bollywood fries. Take the "Trust Me Burger" at its word. The ever-changing burger special is created at the whim of chef Louie Jocson. I've had this burger served hoagie-style topped with barbacoa beef on one visit, and laden with andouille sausage on my next trip.

Also notable – the "tastes like Thanksgiving" turkey sandwich. It comes served with fresh roasted turkey, finely diced vegetables and a sage au jus for a light gravy-like bath. Bonus: hassle-free parking at this aging Huntington Harbour Mall location. Address: 16821 Algonquin St.

For dessert, you can't go wrong with the Wisconsin custard shakes at Bruxie. Try the Dulce De Leche for its beauty and boldness. On the lighter side, Mangiamo serves scratch-made gelato at 122 Main St., or stop into the Whole Foods Market, 7881 Edinger Ave.

Contact the writer: Nancy Luna covers the restaurant industry for the Register. Find her weekly stories in the Register's Food section.

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